We managed to get a little quality time with the Nokia N900 smartphone running Maemo and Linux. This smartphone, sporting killer specs and 3G HSDPA for T-Mobile US and Europe should begin shipping in the next few weeks. Notice how quick the device is when switching between desktop screens and applications-- the multitasking is very impressive thanks to 256 megs of RAM and virtual memory that brings it up to 1 gig of application RAM.

The N900 features social networking galore, a strong video player and an excellent web browser. The slide-out 3 row keyboard is very usuable and the 5 megapixel camera with autofocus lens should take very good photos and videos. Top that off with a "real" CPU that goes neck and neck with the iPhone and Nokia's $649 no-contract unlocked GSM phone might be everything we'd hoped for the N97 and more.

Our apologies for the background noise, but the CTIA show floor isn't a quiet place